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20 blog-related design ideas for your 404 error page

Having a functional and engaging 404 error page is essential for maintaining a great user experience on your blog. Instead of frustrating users with a blank or generic error page, you can guide them back to your content with a creative, well-designed page that encourages them to stay. Here are 39 blog-related design ideas for your 404 page, each with detailed explanations of why they work and tips on what to do (and avoid). Let’s dive in!

1. Friendly error message

Do: Use a warm, friendly tone for your error message, such as “Oops! We couldn’t find the page you were looking for.” Don’t: Use formal or technical language like “404 Error” that might frustrate users.

Why it works: A friendly, human tone in your error message makes the user experience feel more personal and approachable, reducing frustration and encouraging visitors to stay on your blog.

2. Search bar

Do: Include a prominent search bar where users can search for what they were looking for. Don’t: Hide the search bar in a corner or make it hard to find.

Why it works: A search bar provides users an immediate way to search for content they were originally looking for. By making it easily accessible, you help users find their desired content quickly and seamlessly.

3. Creative illustrations

Do: Use creative illustrations that relate to your blog’s theme. For example, a travel blog could show a map that’s “lost.” Don’t: Use generic or irrelevant images that don’t connect to your blog’s tone.

Why it works: Illustrations add character and a sense of fun to the error page, making it feel more personalized and engaging for the user. It also adds to the overall aesthetics and personality of your blog.

4. Related posts section

Do: Display links to popular or recent posts that users might enjoy. Don’t: Link only to your homepage, as users might not find relevant content there.

Why it works: By providing related content, you keep users on your site and guide them to other posts they may find interesting. This helps reduce bounce rates and keeps users engaged with your blog.

5. Navigation to popular categories

Do: Offer links to popular blog categories that users can explore. Don’t: Provide too many categories or make it confusing to choose.

Why it works: Giving users easy access to your popular categories helps them navigate your site effectively and find related content without frustration, keeping them engaged.

6. Engaging call-to-action (CTA)

Do: Add a CTA like “Continue exploring” or “Check out our latest posts” to keep users on your site. Don’t: Use overly aggressive or unrelated CTAs that may annoy the user.

Why it works: A clear CTA guides users to what they can do next, preventing them from leaving your site. It encourages them to explore more content rather than hitting the back button.

7. Humorous tone

Do: Use humor, if it fits your blog’s personality, like “Oops! This page just took a wrong turn.” Don’t: Use humor that’s forced or inappropriate for your audience.

Why it works: Humor makes the error page more enjoyable and can lighten the mood. It also creates a memorable experience, making users more likely to continue engaging with your blog.

8. Search suggestions

Do: Offer search suggestions based on what users might be looking for. Don’t: Leave the search bar empty without any helpful suggestions.

Why it works: Suggestions make the search process quicker and easier for users, guiding them toward the content they may have intended to find. It improves navigation and user experience.

9. 404 error page with a story

Do: Use a short, fun story related to your blog’s theme. For example, a food blog might say, “Looks like this recipe went missing!” Don’t: Make the story too long or irrelevant to the blog’s content.

Why it works: Storytelling adds a personal touch to the error page. It makes the 404 experience less frustrating and gives users a reason to stay on your blog.

10. Breadcrumb navigation

Do: Include breadcrumb navigation to help users understand where they are and find their way back to previous pages. Don’t: Forget to update breadcrumb links, as outdated breadcrumbs can confuse users.

Why it works: Breadcrumbs provide a clear path for users to backtrack and easily navigate through your site. They make the user experience more intuitive and reduce confusion.

11. Keep it simple

Do: Keep the design of your 404 page simple and easy to navigate. Don’t: Overload the page with unnecessary information or design elements.

Why it works: A simple, clear design allows users to quickly understand what happened and how they can proceed, preventing them from getting frustrated by a cluttered page.

12. Friendly mascot or character

Do: Use a friendly mascot or character that represents your blog. This can make the error page feel welcoming. Don’t: Use irrelevant or confusing images that don’t match the overall tone of your blog.

Why it works: A friendly character adds personality to your error page, making it more engaging. It can also provide a comforting presence for users who are frustrated by the error.

13. Mobile optimization

Do: Ensure that your 404 error page is fully responsive and mobile-friendly. Don’t: Use fixed-width designs that are hard to navigate on mobile devices.

Why it works: A mobile-optimized error page ensures that users on smartphones or tablets can still easily navigate your site. It prevents frustration and keeps them engaged with your content.

14. Link to social media

Do: Include links to your blog’s social media pages, encouraging users to follow you. Don’t: Make the social media icons too small or hard to find.

Why it works: Social media links allow users to engage with your blog on other platforms. Even if they didn’t find what they were looking for on the site, they can stay connected via social media.

15. Contact us link

Do: Include a “Contact Us” link to provide users with a way to get assistance if needed. Don’t: Hide the contact link or make it difficult for users to reach out.

Why it works: Offering a contact option shows that you care about user feedback and are open to resolving issues. It helps build trust with your audience.

16. Show recent posts

Do: Display a list of your most recent posts on the 404 page. Don’t: Show irrelevant or outdated posts that don’t match the user’s interests.

Why it works: Showing recent posts keeps users connected to your blog. Even if they didn’t find what they were looking for, recent posts might grab their attention and keep them engaged.

17. Progress indicator

Do: Consider using a progress indicator or animation to engage users while they’re redirected. Don’t: Make the wait too long, as it could cause users to leave.

Why it works: A progress indicator reassures users that the site is working to help them. It’s a simple way to keep users engaged without overwhelming them.

18. Use bold, clear typography

Do: Use bold and clear typography to highlight key information like error messages or important next steps. Don’t: Use small fonts or hard-to-read typefaces.

Why it works: Clear typography makes it easy for users to understand the situation quickly and figure out what to do next, enhancing the user experience.

19. Offer a sitemap

Do: Provide a link to your sitemap so users can see all the available content on your site. Don’t: Hide the sitemap link or make it difficult to access.

Why it works: A sitemap gives users a full view of your site’s content, helping them quickly find what they were looking for without wandering aimlessly.

20. Custom 404 page with blog personality

Do: Customize your 404 page to reflect your blog’s unique style and personality. Don’t: Use a generic error page that doesn’t match your blog’s tone.

Why it works: A custom 404 page that aligns with your blog’s personality keeps the experience cohesive. Users will appreciate that the error page still reflects your brand’s vibe, rather than feeling disconnected.

FAQs

How can I use icons on my 404 error page?

Icons can enhance the design of your 404 page by adding visual cues to guide users. You can use icons for buttons, links, or to represent different sections. Check out Icons for WordPress from MaxiBlocks to add icons to your 404 page.

Can I use WordPress block templates for my 404 error page?

Yes! MaxiBlocks provides WordPress block templates that are perfect for creating a custom 404 error page. These templates are designed to make the process quick and easy, with flexible and drag-and-drop features.

Where can I find an icon library for my 404 page design?

MaxiBlocks offers a comprehensive WordPress icon library that you can use to customize your 404 page with visually appealing and relevant icons.

How can I improve my 404 error page design?

Improving your 404 page design involves keeping it consistent with your blog’s overall style. Use the principles of WordPress website design to create a clean, engaging, and user-friendly error page that guides users back to relevant content.

Why is MaxiBlocks better than Elementor for creating 404 error pages?

MaxiBlocks is better than Elementor for creating 404 error pages because it’s simpler, faster, and more intuitive. MaxiBlocks uses a block-based system that allows you to create custom error pages without needing complex tools.

Can I use WordPress website builders to design a 404 error page?

Yes! With WordPress website builders, you can easily design a custom 404 page using pre-built blocks and drag-and-drop features. It’s a user-friendly way to create a 404 page that matches your site’s design and functionality.